Deputy Director, Strategy & Operations

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 262,000 - 406,000; Full time

Job summary

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle seeks a Deputy Director, Strategy, Planning, and Management (DDSPM) to lead strategic, financial, and operational functions within the Gender Equality Division, coordinating two teams — DATA and ALAWL — to accelerate impact.

You will shape strategy, oversee annual planning, budgeting, portfolio management, and reporting, and partner with program staff, Directors, and cross-foundation teams to drive transformational change.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in business strategy, development, or general management, ideally from top-tier consulting or senior roles in large, international organizations
• Strong systems thinker with ability to manage complex, matrixed organizations and drive impact
• Proven leader with experience managing teams to deliver ambitious goals
• Excellent project management skills with a track record of leading cross-functional initiatives
• Able to translate strategy into action, communicate clearly, and build wide-ranging partnerships
• Familiarity with international development contexts, especially South Asia, East Africa, West Africa, and related domains
• Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally

Responsibilities

• Define and articulate strategy and investment priorities for the Gender Equality Division
• Lead leadership communications and develop materials for executive-level meetings
• Oversee annual planning, budgeting, and portfolio management
• Coordinate with Directors, program staff, and cross-foundation partners to drive execution
• Develop strong partnerships inside and outside the organization and manage stakeholder expectations
• Guide team culture, coaching, and workforce planning
• Support integration of AI, automation, and new tools to improve efficiency and impact

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Decision making

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Change leadership

Job description

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle seeks a Deputy Director, Strategy, Planning, and Management (DDSPM) to lead strategic, financial, and operational functions within the Gender Equality Division, coordinating two teams — DATA and ALAWL — to accelerate impact.

You will shape strategy, oversee annual planning, budgeting, portfolio management, and reporting, and partner with program staff, Directors, and cross-foundation teams to drive transformational change.